UN group builds capacity of rural women to learn, earn and lead
The United Nations Population Fund Pacific (UNFPA) is supporting the Government through rural communities in Vanua Levu.
It is in line with the global theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, ‘invest in women, accelerate progress’. UNFPA has been providing sewing machines, brush cutters, gum boots, refrigerators and other items to women and young people for their economic empowerment, strengthening their capacity to learn, earn, and lead. UNFPA Pacific also assists Northern Division Commissioner’s Office and communities in supporting rural women and girls of Vanua Levu, including those affected by climate crises, to reach their full economic potential and build back better. Ever since Vanua Levu was hit hard by the consecutive largescale Tropical Cyclones Yasa and Ana in 2020-2021, UNFPA Pacific has been collaborating closely with the commissioner’s office, the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management and other partners to support vulnerable villages, especially women and youth. These women are utilising the sewing machines, tables, chairs, and other materials provided through UNFPA Pacific’s integrated community resilience building programme, for instance, to produce reusable menstrual hygiene kits for nearby schools and communities.
They also received training on how to produce reusable menstrual pads by a trainer from the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection.
Korotubu Village women’s group leader Salome Dicova said they were able to sew window and door curtains, tablecloths, bula wears and patch torn clothes.
The income generated from the sales of these products has not only helped the women individually and their families, but they also pooled their savings and made a collective contribution to support an existing Korotubu Village development programme by the Government and for their community obligations.
UNFPA rep Leigh-Ashley Lipscomb said investments could enhance rural communities’ livelihoods, create a more diverse and sustainable workforce, and reduce negative economic and social consequences of disasters.